ATTENTION, due to the fact my 75 gallon aquarium is being re-done, with an additional 6 types of aquatic plants, the images in this section are no longer working. New pictures will be up within a week of this notice. [08/06]
Because this tank is long I had to cut it in half. If the letters on both pictures are the same, than it is the same species of plant. A short description of the plants will be provided below that picture.
A
Common name: Indian Red Sword
Scientific name: Echinodorus x barthii
Size: leaves grow about 2ft.
Lighting requirements: Medium-high, more light will give it a more "redish" look to it.
Comments: Even though it is called "Indian red" it still comes from South America just as all sword plants do. It is a very hardy and nice looking plant. It isn't often found in stores and is sometimes pricy, but angelfish enjoy hanging out in it. It is also a great plant if you want some other colors than green.
B
Common name: Fanwart
Scientific name: Cabomba aquatica
Size: will grow to top of tankbr>
Lighting requirements: Low-high
Comments: This is a very nice South American plant. One of my favorites because it isn't a broad leaf plant as the sword plants. Large masses of this plant make a very nice green color. This plant will grow to the top of your tank and continue to grow and make a "ceiling" to you tank. You should not cut it because it is a good plant to create subdued lighting which discus, angels, and all tetras like.
C
Common name: Sword plant
Scientific name: Echinodorus paniculatus
Size: 12-18in.
Lighting requirements: Medium-high, lighting requirements are not super important to this sword.
Comments: The most commonly found sword plant available, so common that it is even called "sword plant." Angelfish prefer this plant to spawn on, I have 5 and it is a wonderful plant to keep with fish in any tank.
D
Common name: Sword plant
Scientific name: Echinodorus Bleheri
Size: 12-24in.
Lighting requirements: Medium-high
Comments: Slightly larger than "C" but basically the same plant. They are larger and angelfish/discus prefer these broad leaves to spawn on. If they come smaller than makes sure you set it towards the back of the tank because they do grow large.
B
Shown above.
C
Shown above.
D
Shown above.
E
Common name: Jungle valis or Giant valis
Scientific name: Vallisneria gigantea
Size: Will grow to top of tank.br>
Lighting requirements: Medium-high
Comments: Jungle valis grows freely all over the word and will easily grow 4-6 inches per week. If you let it it will create a "ceiling" at the top of your tank. I prefer to keep it trimmed even with the top of the water. This way the fish can swim through the leaves, which for lack of better terms, looks really cool.
F
Common name: Brazilian Sword
Scientific name:
Size: 12-24in in tank.
Lighting requirements: Medium-high
Comments: Not a REAL aquatic plant. I've read some places that this plant will die if completely underwater, but that is not the case in my tank. It comes from the Amazon area and is considered a "bog plant." Bog plants are plants that need to keep their roots in water 24/7. This plant is also sold as a garden plant. The leaves on this plant are slightly wrinkled, and point at an angle, creating plateaus in your tank which angelfish like hovering under.
